How do you wipe yourself after back surgery?

While wiping, bend from the knees rather than at the hips. A long- handled device may help to reach all areas. 4. The use of pre-moistened, flushable wipes is strongly recommended.

How do you clean after back surgery?

You may SHOWER and get the incision wet after 48 hours. Avoid scrubbing your incision site. Do NOT soak the incision; so avoid baths, hot tubs or swimming for 1 month after surgery. It is normal for the incision site to itch, but avoid scratching.

Is it OK to sit in a recliner after back surgery?

It is okay to sit while eating and for half an hour at a time. Recliners are better than soft-backed chairs. Do not lift more than 10 pounds for the first 4 weeks after surgery. It is okay to climb stairs.

How do you wear pants after back surgery?

Getting dressed

Putting on and taking off socks, slacks, and underwear may be easier to do lying on your back. A tool called a dressing reacher can be of help. To make dressing and undressing easier, wear loose clothes and slip-on shoes with closed backs.

How do you wash your hair after spine surgery?

Do NOT shower until 4 days after your surgery. Do NOT shower if there is a large amount of leaking from the incision. You can shampoo your hair while you are in the shower. After you shower, gently pat the incision dry with a clean towel.

Activity after Spine Surgery

How do you shower after lower back surgery?

---You may shower as normal once your surgical incision is clean, dry, and without drainage. Prior to that, your incision should be kept dry and covered for showers with a watertight dressing. ---Hair washing is permissible while in the shower. ---You may clean wound with sterile saline or gentle soap and water.

How should you lay in bed after back surgery?

Doctors recommend sleeping on your back or your side as you heal from spine surgery. Sleeping on your belly is generally not recommended because your spine is not in a neutral position for a prolonged period. Consider wearing satin pajamas to bed to help it make it easier for you to adjust your sleeping position.

Can you ride in a car after back surgery?

Of course, you may be transported in a car as a passenger immediately after surgery but it will help to have the seat reclined somewhat to reduce the load of vibration inherent in a car. For a long drive, get out and walk around the car every 1-2 hours.

What kind of clothes do you wear after back surgery?

Bring proper attire to walk in the halls after surgery and for discharge home. For example, a short robe and/or loose-fitting T-shirt and loose fitting shorts or pants.

How long should you use a walker after back surgery?

You will need an assistance device such as a walker or cane for the first week; however, you should strive to limit the use of this device after the first two to three weeks when you are on stable ground. By the end of the first month, you should be able to walk one mile without your assistance device.

How long after back surgery can you bend over?

Once the surgeon confirms on x-ray imaging that the fusion has completely solidified into one bone, a full return to an active lifestyle—including bending, lifting, and twisting—is permitted. This approval typically occurs about 6 months after the surgery, but sometimes it may take closer to 12 months.

How do you sit on a couch after back surgery?

After surgery, avoid sitting in soft chairs and on couches where your hips drop below your knees. If a chair is too high for you, place your feet on a small stool or box to help maintain correct sitting posture. Take frequent breaks by standing up and stretching every 30 to 45 minutes.

What should I pack for back surgery?

For your comfort, you will want to bring your own toiletries to the hospital. Also pack underwear and comfortable, loose pajamas or nightgowns. You will also need a robe (not floor length), and slippers or soft, low-heeled shoes with closed backs, such as sneakers, walking shoes, or loafers.

How are you laying during back surgery?

Positioning on the surgical table is one of the most important steps in any spinal surgical procedure. The “prone position” has traditionally been and remains the most common position used to access the dorsolumbar-sacral spine.

Is it better to lay down or sit after back surgery?

The right way to sleep after back surgery

The best position to sleep in after spine surgery is lying flat on your back, placing a pillow below your knees or lying sideways with a pillow between your bent knees.

What happens if I sit too long after back surgery?

Although sitting will not cause damage after back surgery, during the first few weeks, prolonged sitting is usually uncomfortable and people do best if they get up, move around or change position on a frequent basis (e.g. every half hour).

How soon can you climb stairs after back surgery?

While it may seem easy to climb stairs a few days after surgery, this motion can put undue stress on your spine and slow down your recovery. You can go upstairs in the couple weeks following surgery, but it's best to limit stairs to once or twice a day in the first few weeks.

What not to do after back surgery?

Avoid strenuous activities, such as bicycle riding, jogging, weight lifting, or aerobic exercise, until your doctor says it is okay. Do not drive for 2 to 4 weeks after your surgery or until your doctor says it is okay. Avoid riding in a car for more than 30 minutes at a time for 2 to 4 weeks after surgery.

What to expect after L4 L5 back surgery?

What to Expect After L4-L5 Fusion? After L4-L5, you can expect to stay in the hospital for two to three days. Additionally, expect to experience stiffness and soreness in the lower back. Your doctor will likely prescribe pain medication to ease discomfort in the first few days or weeks after the procedure.

How long are you on pain meds after spinal fusion?

If an opioid pain medication is used, the prescription will typically include instructions for how to gradually wean off the medication over a few weeks. If these instructions are not provided, ask the surgeon and/or pharmacist for recommendations. There is usually no need for opioids after about 2 weeks to 1 month.

Can be home alone after back surgery?

Arrange For Someone To Care For You

It's dangerous to try to heal on your own after surgery, and quite frankly, we strongly advise against it. If you live alone, please have a family member or friend take care of you during the first few days and weeks into your recovery. If no one is available, talk to Dr.

What happens if you accidentally bend after spinal fusion?

Putting undue stress on a bone that needs healing often exacerbates an injury. Apply that same concept to recovery from spinal surgeries. Avoid bending at all after a lumbar fusion if possible, as bending or twisting can interfere with the way the fusion heals and even damage the work that was done.

How long is bed rest after surgery?

Get Plenty of Rest

With any major surgery, it's important to stay in bed as much as possible for at least 24–48 hours after the procedure. Some surgeries may require even more patient bed rest. Sleep if you feel tired and be sure to move slower than your usual pace.